American Legion Post 13 had its March meeting last week and saw Legionaires we haven't seen since COVID hit. Bobby Kilgo was presented with a Certification of Appreciation for all his dedication and help with the construction of the Veterans Memorial wall while on County Council. Brian Gandy Historian & Director of the Darlington County Historical Commission & Museum was the guest speaker, and he showed pictures of the new museum, and how long it will take to finish the construction of the new building. The museum will be state of the art and will add another attraction to Darlington County. Thank you for a great presentation! The American Legion Post 13 of Darlington meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at 1752 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington. All veterans are welcome.

National Agriculture Week & Day: The 2019 American Community Survey estimated there were 468,808 farmers, ranchers and other ag managers in the U.S. - 411,859 male and 56,949 female.

Darlington Raceway hosts first Track Laps for Charity event of the year. See photo HERE. Take your vehicle for a spin around the track Too Tough To Tame on June 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For just $20, you can take three laps around the unique egg-shaped oval. Track Laps proceeds will benefit Darlington Shares, a donor advised fund of The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable entity, that donates racing-related items and offers financial support to assist community outreach programs and other nonprofit charities. Dates are June 19, Benefiting the VFW Foundation; August 21, Benefiting Blessings in a Backpack; and November 20, Benefiting Toys for Tots. REGISTER HERE.

The DDRA Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, April 14, at Darlington Country Club! Join the DDRA for a tasty buffet lunch, 4-man captain's choice tournament, and plenty of networking opportunities. Thank you to our GRAND SPONSORS who have supported our event for years! Darlington Raceway, Carolina Bank, Fitness World Gyms, MPD Electric Cooperative, and Nationwide Insurance! Sponsorships and teams available. 843-992-1561 or info@buildupdarlington.org -- DOWNLOAD THE FLYER HERE

COVID Vaccine Locations in Darlington County: Pee Dee Health Care (843) 393-7452, Lamar Family Care (843) 395-8400, and Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (843) 339-2100. The Covid-19 Vaccine hotline for the public to schedule vaccine appointments is 843-876-7227. The hotline is open every day from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. and intended only for those who cannot access online scheduling, having difficulties with online scheduling, or to help non-MyChart users cancel appointments.

The 2021 Leadership Hartsville class will be selling commemorative bricks and all proceeds will be donated to the Hartsville Center Theater. Proceeds will go toward some much-needed repairs of the beautiful theater. Two brick sizes will be available for purchase: 4x8 for $150 and 8x8 for $500. Info: (843) 332-5721

Single Family Home Loans & Grants for Repairs Available

 

Today

The Darlington Conservation District meets at 7 a.m. on March 22 and every fourth Monday of the month at the District Office in Room 228 at 300 Russell St., Darlington. Info: 843-393-0483 or marie.chaplin@sc.usda.gov.

The Knitting & Crochet Club of Lamar will meet at 4 p.m. on Mondays at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Monday Night is Spaghetti Night at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Served with salad, bread, and tea for $9.95. Info: 843-944-0626

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets weekly at 8 p.m. Monday nights at Trinity United Methodist Church in Darlington. Use the Orange Street entrance. Info: 843-395-6897

 

Tuesday

Pee Dee Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #25 holds meetings on March 23 and the fourth Tuesday evening of each month at Sara's Porch, 804 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington. A variety of topics are explored by respected guest speakers, which have included National President Chuck Canterbury. Our Meet-and-Greet Social begins one-half hour prior to the meeting, at 7 p.m.

Temple Free Will Baptist Church's Don Squires will hold a weekly Bible Study and fellowship every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St., Darlington. Come at 8:30 a.m. for Dutch breakfast.

The Rotary Club of Hartsville meets at 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Pam's Restaurant, 1009 W. Bobo Newsome Hwy., Hartsville.

Parenting Classes will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through April 6 at Serenity Counseling Place, 708 Pearl St., Darlington. Register by calling 843-393-2773 or email melissad@serenitycounselingplace.com.

Joe's Grill celebrates Wing Night with 50-cent wings for supper on Tuesday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only. Info: 843-944-0626

Wing specials, Drink Specials and Karaoke Every Tuesday Night at the Darlington Moose Lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington.

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

 

Wednesday

Senior Movie Mornings will be held at 10 a.m. on March 24 and the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Understanding the significance of the Fourth Trimester (Postpartum) Care to prevent Black maternal mortality: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 24 online. Join medical doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, health care professionals, women with lived experiences and families impacted by this tragic disparity; for a dialogue addressing the factors which lead to the disproportionate number of deaths and strategies to combat this problem. REGISTER HERE.

Trinity United Methodist Church of Darlington invites all to participate in a weekly event, its Lenten Love Feast, at noon Wednesdays through March 31. Join Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86995950151... Meeting ID: 869 9595 0151. Passcode: wYJ1km

St. Matthew's Church will hold a Virtual Men's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays and a Virtual Women's Bible Study at 12 Noon on Wednesdays.

Sunrise Rotary Club of Hartsville meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 am at Hampton Inn & Suites of Hartsville, 203 E. Carolina Ave. The Rotary Club of Hartsville is a part of District 7770 of the Eastern South Carolina. (843) 229-2729 or hartsvillesunriserotary@gmail.com

Enjoy Wine Down Wednesdays at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, from 4 to 9 p.m. with wine and wing specials. (843) 944-0880

St. Matthew's Church will hold Virtual Church at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Drive In Worship Service at 126 Pearl Street parking lot of Trinity United Methodist Church in Darlington at 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Hope to see you there! Listen on FM 88.7.

Carolina Nightlife & Grill will hold a Cornhole Tournament every Wednesday at 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Anyone can play. Register at 6 p.m. with play starting at 6:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Tournament is blind/random partner draw, double elimination format. Cost is $10 per person for the Advanced Bracket and $5 per person for the Tailgate Bracket. If you can average 2 in the hole every time, we recommend the advanced bracket. Cash prizes for winning teams.

 

Thursday

DDRA Members Breakfast: 8 a.m. Thursday, March 25, at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St. Free for members and $5 for others. Members meet to network, make suggestions, and find out about upcoming events. **Masks and social distancing required**

A string quartet from The Florence Symphony will treat you to a special experience from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 25, at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl Street. Enjoy the sounds of this string ensemble, a glass of wine, and hor d'oeuvres. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for others.

The Rotary Club of Darlington meets at noon on Thursdays at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St.

Enjoy classic Shrimp-N-Grits (or pork chip and grits) at Joe's Grill on Thursday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington.

The Darlington County Board of Fire Control meets at 7 p.m. on March 25 and on the fourth Thursday of every other month beginning with January at the County HQ, 137 N. Center Rd., Hartsville. Info: 843-339-9098 or rflowers@darcosc.net.

Al-Anon, a fellowship of adult relatives and friends of alcoholics for mutual support, will meet at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Hartsville AA Hut, 310 S. McFarland St. Info: https://al-anon.org or 843-992-2981

 

Friday

Beyond the Green Golf Tournament on March 26 at Hartsville Country Club will benefit the YMCA's Annual Campaign, which brings together staff at all levels, committed volunteers, Y members, and donors to pursue a common objective: ensuring that each Y has the resources to make an enduring impact right in its own neighborhood.

Enjoy Steak Night with Joe's Grill  on Friday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only. Info: 843-944-0626

Fahrenheit 225 will have Trivia & Rock Bingo Night on Fridays beginning at 7 p.m. Pick up to-go orders at 26 Public Square, Darlington. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call in take-out orders at (843) 944-0321.

Saturday

The Darlington Soup Kitchen is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday mornings at 586 W. West Broad St.

What better way to spend your weekend than with some of the best local comedians around! Bring your friends and be ready for a Saturday Evening full of laughs with us at Carolina Nightlife and Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, on Saturday, March 27. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 8 o'clock. Check out some current and rising comics from around North and South Carolina. Tickets are $10 at the door or online. Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../saturday-comedy-night-at...

 

Sunday

Darlington Presbyterian Church holds service at 11 a.m. on Sundays with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. at the church, 315 Pearl St.

Children's Activities begin at 5 p.m. Sundays with Kids for Christ at the Kid Central Building then share the love of God with them through teaching and songs from 6 to 7 p.m. for Children's Musical Practice at Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring St., Darlington.

St. Matthew's Church will hold a Virtual Church Service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Info: 843-393-4112

Lee Street First Church of God brings the Word of God to you. Connect via Facebook Live or Zoom 646-558-86-56 ext. 222 777 7676. Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. Tuesday midday prayer at noon. Wednesday Bible Study at 6 p.m. Prayer Hotline 1-888-409-8880. Info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2227777676 or 843-393-2672

COUPLES TENNIS 101: Are you and your special someone looking for a safe, socially distant activity? Sign up for 6 weeks of beginner tennis instruction tailored for couples. Each clinic will be one hour and full of great instruction and lots of fun. Program begins at Hartsville Country Club from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday weekly through March 28. Cost is $30 per person and $40 for those who need a racquet.

Parking Lot Church in the grassy area behind the ball field at 10:30 a.m. at Mechanicsville Baptist Church. There will be ushers directing you where to park your vehicle. Once parked, please tune your radio

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Lamar will hold services at 11 a.m. in person or online. Masks required in person. (843) 332-1188.

 

Monday

 

Mark Your Calendar

Florence Darlington Technical College, South Carolina National Guard and the SCWORKS invite you to join us at our Home Run Job Fair on March 31. This job fair will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the SIMT Parking Lot located at 1951 Pisgah Road in Florence, SC.

The SBA has re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to all participating PPP lenders. PPP provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The Paycheck Protection Program remains open for First and Second Draw PPP loans until March 31, 2021, as set forth in the Economic Aid Act, or until Congressionally-appropriated funding is exhausted.

City of Darlington offices will be closed on Friday, April 2, in observance of the Good Friday holiday. Offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 5.

Ladies Night Gone Wild Magic Experience comes to Darlington from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 2, at Carolina Night Life & Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Show supports St. Jude's Children Hospital Research. Tickets on sale now. Cost: $15 general admission, $25 VIP, and $45 Queen.

Join the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 15, for Disney's Approach to Business Excellence professional development training course. Presented live online and facilitated by a Disney leader(s), Disney's Approach to Business Excellence offers the opportunity to be inspired by proven Disney business insights that begin to build knowledge of concepts that will impact you, your team or organization. Start to think differently, and be inspired to take action. This event is available exclusively though Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce. Standard registration fee is $199 for a 2-hour course with special pricing for Disney Institute alumni, students/teachers, employees of non-profit organizations and military/government employees is available. To register to attend this program and to learn more, click here: https://www.disneyinstitute.com/disneys.../course-schedule/. For more information on registration, contact president@hartsvillechamber.org.

With everything that had been going on in the community Dominion Church has come up with a way to help by opening Dominion Life Center for Children. The church will have a BBQ fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, April 19, at the church, 1030 Pearl St. All proceeds will help fund so the equipment to make this project happen. We pray that you will help make this possible, and help change the community, one child at a time. Plates are $8 and include BBQ, rice, red gravy, green beans, pickles, bread, and dessert.

The Long Bluff Historic Society presents the Taste of Society Hill from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 24, on the grounds of the historic Adam Marshall House, 454 S. Main St., Society Hill. Info: LBHS President Melissa Burch 813-323-1445 or longbluffhistoricsociety@gmail.com

S.C. Energy Office Offers ASHRAE Course, Commercial Building Energy Audits, from 1 to 4 p.m. April 28 and 29. Cost: $10. The seminar includes a summary of materials essential for performing ASHRAE Level 1, 2 and 3 audits, time-saving tips for every auditor, how to hire an auditor, what to ask for in a comprehensive audit report, and how to build a successful energy efficiency retrofit team. Register here.

The 2021 SC Auto Summit is going virtual May 11-13. The event draws draws executives of OEMs; tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers; leading research institutions; and other organizations in the automotive industry. 

Clays for a Cause will be held Friday, June 18, at Moree's Sportsmans Preserve, 1217 Moree Road, Society Hill, to benefit the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Assault. Registration at 9 a.m. Shoot begins at 10 o'clock with lunch and awards at noon. Info: 843-669-4694 or 814-397-9959

Darlington Raceway will host the third annual Terrence Carraway Memorial 5K presented by Brown's RV Superstore at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2. There will also be a one-mile Kids Run as part of the event. Runners can register online at darlingtonraceway.com/memorial5k.

 

COVID TESTING

DHEC Sponsored Testing at Darlington County Health Department, 305 Russell St., Darlington. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays, with a break from 12 noon to 1 p.m. No appointment necessary. Preregistration encouraged: 1-855-472-3432 or scdhec.gov/gettested.

 

COVID VACCINE

The Covid-19 Vaccine hotline for the public to schedule vaccine appointments is 843-876-7227. The hotline is open every day from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. and intended only for those who cannot access online scheduling, having difficulties with online scheduling, or to help non-MyChart users cancel appointments.

Darlington County:

• Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center: 843-656-0101
• Pee Dee Health Care: 843-393-7452
• Lamar Family Care: 843-395-8400
• Walmart Pharmacy #1135 (S 4 St Hartsville): 843-332-4891
• CareSouth Carolina-Hartsville Suite A/B(Fourth Street): 843-332-3422 
• McLeod Regional Medical Center @ Darlington Raceway: (866) 365-8110
• Walgreens #10329(South Fifth Street, Hartsville): 843-332-4523
• Walgreens #9737(South Governor Williams Highway, Darlington): 843-393-2679
• CVS Pharmacy(Darlington): (800) 746-7287

 

BUSINESS OPERATIONS & CAPACITY

Click here for a list of what businesses are operating and at what capacity. Please send information to info@buildupdarlington.org or text 843-992-1561 to update a listing. We will continue to update this link as we get information.

• Darlington County Courthouse will be restricted to appointment only to maintain social distancing requirements. Call 843-398-4100
• City of Darlington Offices will be restricted to appointment only to maintain social distancing requirements. Call 843-398-4000
• Palmetto Disaster Recovery Offices are opened in Marion and Conway with limitations. To apply, applicants must contact one of these two offices to schedule an appointment. For residents of Darlington County, applicants would need to contact the Marion Office at 803-609-1164 or 843-731-3550.
• Looking for employment? Keep SC Works Pee Dee in mind. Currently open by appointment. Email scworkspeedee@eckerd.org or call (843) 407-9679 for the Florence office or call (843) 309-9817 for the Hartsville office.
• Darlington County Community Action Agency has several programs available to help those in need during these difficult financial times. Click here to download the flyers. 843-332-1155
• If you know someone facing eviction and they need assistance, South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) may be able to help. The CDC has halted evictions due to CVOID-19 concerns through Jan. 31, 2021. Call toll-free 888-346-5592 or by apply online at https://sclegal.org/.

 

GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

For general information about COVID-19, the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control are trusted sources of information. We encourage you to visit their websites for the most current and correct information.

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control  
• S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control
• The COVID-19 Data Hub 
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Resource Page 
• Taking the Pulse of American Households During COVID-19
• Providing Perspective During COVID-19 Using Census Data

DHEC Careline 855-472-3432: Get answers to common questions about the Corona Virus from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

If you are sick, MUSC Health offers a Virtual Visit to determine if you should leave home to seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to the Corona Virus. Use promo code "COVID19" at this link.

 

CITY SERVICES

While City Offices will be restricted to staff and appointments until further notice, individuals are encouraged to do all business by phone or email during this event. City staff will be available by phone and email, and essential services will not be interrupted. You can find updates here.

You may call the following numbers with service-related issues

• Emergencies, call 911
• Business Licenses - 843-398-4000 ext. 101
• Permits - 843-398-4029
• Water/Sewer, Normal Business Hours,  - 843-398-4040
• Water/Sewer, After 5 p.m.,  -  843-758-1127
• Fire, Non-emergency - 843-398-4013
• Police, Non-emergency - 843-398-4026
• Municipal Court - 843-398-4004
• Streets & Sanitation - 843-398-4035
• Media Inquiries - 843-992-1561

You may still pay your utility bill or traffic citation online here. City staff will disinfect public areas more frequently and have hand sanitizer available in public buildings. Garbage, recycling, and yard debris collection will remain on regular schedule.

Download the DDRA Membership Application here. Download a Map Location Form for your business. Return to info@buildupdarlington.org or DDRA, P.O. Pox 57, Darlington, SC 29540.

To have your event listed on our websites, please email info@buildupdarlington.org or call 843-398-4000 x 103 by the week prior to your event.

Neptune Island Waterpark, 1109 Fourteenth St., Hartsville, will open to the public for the 2021 season on Sunday, May 16, following an exclusive 2020 & 2021 Season Pass Holder Day on Saturday, May 15. Neptune Island Waterpark will open for weekends only at the beginning of the season and will be open daily beginning June 12. Neptune Island's hours of operation for 2021 will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

CITY COURT RESUMES. Municipal Court will be held twice a day on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Pearl St., Darlington.

Due to COVID-19, the following rules will be in place:

• Only 25 defendants in the courtroom at a time.
• Everyone will be required to wear a face mask before entering.
• Social distancing will be enforced.